In The Wilderness – #102

The wilderness experience is a universal theme throughout the Bible. The Israelites wandered for 40 years (Deuteronomy 8:2), Moses fled to the wilderness after murdering an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-4:31), and Job faced unimaginable trials, even wishing for death (Job 1:13-22, 6:8-11). Elijah prayed for death during an emotional breakdown (1 Kings 19:2-4), King Saul took his own life to avoid shame (1 Samuel 31:4-5), and Sampson’s wilderness led him to sacrifice himself, killing more people in his death than in his life (Judges 16:28-30). Jeremiah lamented his birth (Jeremiah 20:14-18), and Jonah prayed for death (Jonah 4:3-8). Even Judas Iscariot’s story ends in tragedy.

My point is this: life in the wilderness can push you to the limits of human endurance. However, suicide is never the answer. I pray that anyone facing their own wilderness experience will find hope in these stories. No matter how bleak the circumstances may seem, there is always a way forward. Let us hold on to hope and persevere through the trials, for a brighter future awaits.

John the Baptist spent time in the wilderness until his manifestation (John 1:23). Jesus Christ was led into the wilderness after His open heaven encounter to face temptation before beginning His ministry. King David experienced the wilderness at least three times: while tending sheep (1 Samuel 17:28), during King Saul’s pursuit (1 Samuel 23:14-18), and when Absalom plotted against him (2 Samuel 15:13-23). In modern times, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in exile, and Kwame Nkrumah went into self-imposed exile after being overthrown.

Wherever God wants to take you, a wilderness experience is inevitable. In the wilderness, survival becomes a daily struggle, with financial, material, physical, and emotional burdens overwhelming you. The flesh cries out for relief, but it may seem like no one hears your cries.

This is aptly described by St. Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9:

We are hard-pressed on every side but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed.

The wilderness is an unpleasant place, but understanding its factors and characteristics can help us navigate it. In the next episode, we’ll explore the three factors that lead to the wilderness and the four characteristics of every wilderness experience.

May you have peace, joy, and a fruitful week ahead. God bless you.

Stay tuned for IN THE WILDERNESS 103.